Purisima Creek
Redwoods Open Space Preserve is located on the western slopes
of the Santa Cruz Mountains overlooking Half Moon Bay. The
centerpiece of this 2,633-acre preserve is Purisima Creek
Canyon, with its towering redwoods, rushing creek, and
understory of ferns, berries, and wildflowers. Coastal shrub
and hardwood forests of tanoak, madrone, and Douglas fir
border the cool, moist canyon. Magnificent views of the coast
and Half Moon Bay are visible from the northern part of the
preserve.

Twenty-one miles of
developed trails and historical logging roads provide
opportunities for easy walks or long, strenuous hikes. The
specially surfaced Redwood Trail, which is suitable for
visitors of all physical abilities, winds through tall
redwoods just off skyline Boulevard. Visitors will find
wheelchair-accessible picnic tables and a restroom along this
flat, easy route. The Redwood Trail was built through a grant
from Peninsula Open Space Trust.

The Whittemore Gulch
Trail provides an interesting descent through a variety of
plant communities. It is popular among bicyclists during the
summer when the trail is dry. The trail is closed to bicycles
and horses during the winter and spring months to preserve the
trail surface. For an easy walk in the canyon past giant
redwood groves and the fern-covered banks of Purisima Creek,
start at the parking lot on Higgins Purisima Road and follow
Purisima Creek Trail.

The trails that
descend from Skyline Boulevard into the canyon can be combined
for longer loops. Remember to carry water on these hikes,
since the trails out of the canyon can be quite strenuous! For
a hike that will rejuvenate your spirit, take the North Ridge
Trail from the main parking area. Descend on the Whittemore
Gulch Trail to Purisima Creek Trail and follow Purisima Creek
Trail along the creek up the hill. Hike north on the Soda
Gulch Trail and follow Harkins Ridge Trail back to the parking
area. The hike is ten miles long with an elevation change of
1,400 feet.

How
to get there

The preserve's main
entrance and the North Ridge trailhead are located on Skyline
Blvd. (Rte. 35) 4.5 miles south of Hwy 92. Parking is
available for 20 cars. For access to the Redwood Trail or
Purisima Creek Trail, there is a 5-car parking area at the
trailhead 6.5 miles south of Hwy 92. The preserve's western
access point is off Higgins Purisima Road, which intersects
Hwy 1 about 1 mile south of Half Moon Bay. Parking is
available for 10 cars.